African Airlines Association calls on governments to protect local carriers

African Airlines Association (AFRAA) called on African governments to protect local carriers against competition from foreign carriers (Business Day Online, 21-Jan-2010). According to the Association, approximately 70% of air traffic in Africa is handled by western and Middle Eastern carriers, and the industry thus requires funding. Ghana Airways CEO, Gifty Annan-Myers and South African Airways COO, Inati Ntshanga, meanwhile urged the African governments to work together with local airlines and the aviation industry when negotiating on issues that will affect their operations.

South African Airways:“Politicians should not blindly pry into the airline business. The day this happens, there will be a great change in the business,” Inati Ntshanga, COO. Source: Business Day Online, 21-Jan-2010.

African Airlines Association:“We are asking African governments not to prejudice the interests of African companies by deliberately admitting companies from the west…All the African companies are small, weak and without money. So, we are asking for support from the governments. Otherwise, there is a risk that one day, they will all collapse. What I am saying is that most licences are currently held by foreign airlines while the African airlines are losing business,” Nick Fadugba, General Secretary. Source: Business Day Online, 21-Jan-2010.

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